Bible Chapter: Luke 21

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A well known story - a poor widow giving all she had.  This reveals the depth of her love for God.  She was devoted to Him and gave generously.  Her giving was not from excess, but from sacrifice.  Her giving reflected her commitment to God.  There are those who look at what they have as “mine” and think it either unnecessary or excessive to give generously or sacrificially to God.  We see her heart in this offering.
    Jesus also talked about judgement and the end times.  We must stand firm in our commitment and relationship with Him.  We must persevere in our faith with a firm devotion to Jesus.  There will be those who persecute believers.  They will do all they can to make them reject their relationship with the Savior.  No matter what happens, those who hold on till the end will be victorious.
    We don’t know the day when Jesus will come to take His followers to be with Him.  We also don’t know the day when we will leave this earth through illness or accident.  That is why we must stay close to Jesus.  When we see Jesus, any sacrifice we have made will seem small compared to what we receive.  Yes, the sacrifices we make are real.  And, yes, they will be worth it when we see Jesus.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What is my attitude towards sacrifice?  What is my attitude towards accumulation of stuff and ease of life?  Where are my priorities?  These are important questions to settle so I can apply the Bible to daily life.
    If I am willing to sacrifice, then I can change eternity.  If I am willing to give and not have to join the rat race of “he who dies with the most toys wins” mentality; if I can establish the priorities of eternity; then I will be able to accomplish God’s plan for my life.  Only God knows when the end of all these earthly things as we know them will come.  I need to live ready.  I think of some I have met who respond that God is asking too much of them.  They do what they want and spend time and money as it pleases them.  By getting my focus on God’s way, I am so much farther ahead in the long run.  I believe that the main point of this chapter is to help each of us to see an eternal perspective of life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People need to understand that this life is not all there is.  There is a future life after life.  People can see how things are changing in the world.  It is common to hear that things are getting worse and worse.  They are talking about changes in nature.  Nothing seems to be the same.  All believers in Jesus must help people see the signs and point them to HIM.
    I, and all of us, need to pray for God to speak to the hearts of people to recognize their need of salvation.  The enemy has given out a wide variety of excuses.  None of them are worth anything.  Sadly, many people hold on to them and use them.  They only make the gap between them and God wider.

Bible Chapter: Luke 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    One thought jumped out to me in how Jesus responded to the challenge, the question in verse 2.  He didn’t answer their question, He responded with a question for them.  Jesus knew that they were not interested in an answer, they didn’t care about an honest debate, but they were looking for a way to make Him look bad to the crowds.  This was a trap.
    He shows us an important principle here.   We are not under obligation to try to answer every question posed to us.  Because it was not a real discussion but a trick, He didn’t answer them.  His question in return put them in a difficult situation and they wouldn’t answer.  Jesus didn’t answer, either.  We are to be ready to answer the questions about the hope we have in our hearts (and we have a genuine hope for eternity).  We are to be ready to talk about Jesus, Who He is and what He has done in our lives.  We are not under obligation to get trapped into discussions that will go nowhere.
    Jesus also talked about being rejected.  He would be rejected by many religious folk but would be revealed as the foundation for life.  Those who reject Him will be judged and punished.  I find an interesting sentence in the footnote of my Bible.  “Those who do not accept Jesus will be broken to pieces, and those who fall under his judgement will be completely pulverized.”  That’s a strong statement based on verse 18.  The blessings of serving Jesus are amazing, and the consequences of rejecting Him are devastating.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Jesus was constantly being challenged by people hoping to make Him look foolish.  A group of Sadducees tried to trap Him with a question about the resurrection and eternity in heaven.  This is an encouraging passage, for it acknowledges the reality of the eternal home of believers in Jesus.  Jesus said that there we will no longer face death.  In this life death is an enemy, but it will be conquered.  We will live in an amazing place in God’s presence.  This is too great to miss.  So, I must continue to live in such a way as to get as close to Jesus as I can and be ready to see Him some day.  It is amazing to think of some day entering His presence.  Anything necessary to get there is worth it.  While salvation is a gift and I cannot earn it, I can and must be faithful and work for God while I can.  As I have stood at the bedside of a believer leaving this earth, I have been reminded of the amazing journey they are taking.  I have to admit to some jealousy of their seeing the Lord and entering their eternal reward.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Many people believe in some kind of life after life and hope they are on the right path.  I remember talking with a guy at a funeral one time.  He said he would like to know he had a ticket to heaven.  I can help people by helping them understand that the ticket to heaven has already been paid for and all we have to do is accept it.

Bible Chapter: Luke 19

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Luke 19 starts out with one of the best known Bible stories that children learn in Sunday School. Jesus reached out to a man well-known as a sinner, Zacchaeus.  This man was a swindler who made many suffer.  When Jesus went to his house for a personal visit people reacted negatively.  Jesus shouldn’t hang around with these sinners.  But, this is exactly the kind of person Jesus came to find.  He came to seek and find the lost.  He responded to Divine guidance, a Divine Appointment, because Zacchaeus was ready to believe in Jesus.  Believers must reach out to the undesirable people of the world, as well as the popular.  Anyone without Jesus in their heart is lost.
    As Jesus was entering Jerusalem, He looked over the city from a vantage point coming down from the Mount of Olives and wept deeply at what was going to happen to the city.  He knew that judgement was coming and His heart broke.  Jesus really cares about what will happen to people.  His heart breaks when people reject what God has for them.  When people refuse to repent, they are bringing eternal judgement on themselves.  It was always God’s plan from the beginning that everyone would serve Him.  He wept deeply at the realization that many would reject His great gift.
    One of the first things Jesus did in His public ministry, and one of the last things He did was cleanse the temple of those who were using it for personal and greedy purposes.  His house is to be clean.  He said it is a house of prayer.  God cares that His people are holy.  They are not to use anything spiritual for personal gain.  Nothing must degrade God’s work.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What is the local church for?  What is my involvement?  Is it only here for when it is convenient and I don’t have anything else to do?  God has given us a house of prayer.  Prayer is foundational to doing God’s work.  The local church is where we gather to worship, learn, have fellowship and encouragement.  It is a very important place.  Believers must work hard to keep it a holy place, as well as a welcoming place where anyone can find the peace they need with Jesus.
    This chapter also gives a good illustration of being a faithful steward of what God has invested in me.  Jesus gave a parable of a king who went away for a time and gave ten servants some money to use while he was gone.  When he returned he required an accounting of what they had done with it.  This story tells us that Jesus expects us to use whatever it is we have responsibly and faithfully for HIS benefit.  The faithful will receive a just reward in eternity.  This reminds me of the importance of maintaining an eternal perspective in all I do here in this temporary place called earth.

3.  How can I help someone?
    One of Zacchaeus’s responses to the call of Jesus in his life was to make a commitment to help those in need.  There are always people who have some kind of need.  I can’t eradicate poverty, but I can help some.  I can also remember the challenge of faithfully using what abilities and resources I have been given and use them for God’s glory.

Bible Chapter: Luke 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Why is it so hard to consistently pray and develop a powerful prayer life?  I think that many Christians battle this.  I believe the answer lies somewhere near the fact that prayer is so powerful and there is great temptation to put it off till a more convenient time.  Teaching such as this parable comes from Jesus’ desire that we all understand the importance and power of prayer.  The woman had a need and wasn’t going to give up.  Perseverance in prayer is one of the keys to winning the battle.  Never give up.  We have an adversary who is mean.  We have a Savior who is all powerful.  Some have said that we shouldn’t persist in prayer, just pray once and forget it.  That is not what Jesus taught.  Keep focus on eternity and it will help keep focus on prayer.
    The stronger our prayer life, the more we will be drawn close to Jesus.  This will help us gain the victory necessary that we see through the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.  One of the problems Jesus addressed was spiritual pride.  “I’m really good and God is lucky to have me.”  We must humbly acknowledge our need of forgiveness and actively pursue God’s power living through our lives.
    Again Jesus talked about the importance of children.  It is important to reach children with the message of the love of Jesus.  We also see that children are a pawn in the enemy’s spiritual battle against God.  More than ever children are being attacked and hurt.  Jesus said we are to let the children come to Him, we are to encourage the children to come to Him.  Make every effort to bring children to where they will know Jesus.  Children need to grow up going to Sunday School, etc.  If we don’t train them, the world will.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    There was a certain rich young ruler who came to Jesus asking Him the key question of life: what must I do to inherit eternal life?  Jesus started His response with the reminder to obey God’s law.  Then He challenged the man about his love for material gain.  We all need to settle the question of priorities.  Will we let anything become more important than God?  The fact that this man was wealthy was not a problem.  The problem was that his wealth was more important than accepting Jesus’ answer to his question.
    Sadly, this man couldn’t put Jesus first.  This section ends with an encouraging message from Jesus.  With God, anything is possible.  Put Jesus first.  Strive to grow in Him and learn what He has for me to do.  Then He will make possible what needs to be made possible.  If necessary, God will allow the camel to go through the eye of the needle.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The world needs to see Christians who have the humility that honors God.  They don’t need to see spiritual pride that makes me look good and them look bad.  This doesn’t mean that I endorse sinful lifestyles.  It means that I let Jesus shine through me that He gets the honor, and people are drawn to HIM.

Bible Chapter: Luke 17

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A very interesting thought at the beginning, “Things that cause people to sin . . .”  Jesus went on to say that it would be better to be drowned in the sea than to cause a child to sin.  Sadly, our world today has a endless stream of examples of promoting the so-called pleasures of sin and denying any consequences.  Sin will bring punishment, but the warning here is that there will be worse punishment for those who set an example that encourages others to sin.
    Later in the chapter Jesus talked about what it will be like in the last days.  He compares them to the times of Noah and Lot.  People were actively pursuing their sinful pleasures and completely ignoring the impact of their actions and the coming judgement.  Sudden judgement came and the people received the consequences of their actions.  We live in days that reflect the wantonness of the days of Noah and Lot.  Those who stand for biblical morality are attacked and vilified as ignorant.  We need to follow the commands of Jesus no matter what anyone says.
    Another part of this chapter talks about forgiving.  This is one of the most important spiritual disciplines we can develop.  Unforgiveness causes strife.  It turns people against each other and they miss out on the blessings of their relationships.  To forgive does not mean that we condone sin.  We don’t continue to forgive to enable habitual sin.  The purpose of forgiving is not to allow someone to continue to sin (repentance must include a desire to not repeat the sin), but to help the offender be set free.  Sincere repentance must be involved so we can forgive.  The purpose of offering forgiveness is not to allow someone to get away with something.  If their repentance is fake, they will stand before God and give an account.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to think about influence and example.  It is a scary concept to think of causing someone to sin.  The human nature is always looking for permission to sin, always looking for an excuse or justification.  A common statement is “But, look at _____________.  They call themselves a Christian and look at what they do.”  The tempter convinces people to look at life from a sliding scale, as if God grades on a curve.  As long as someone else is worse than I am, I’m fine.  That is simply not true.  Each believer must be careful to be a good example.
    Jesus also talked about being a good servant.  We are called to serve.  Serving often takes more effort than is comfortable.  Jesus called that doing our duty.  I need to continue to serve in every way possible.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Look for ways to be a servant.  These opportunities can be small or large.  Make an effort to help, remembering that they can sometimes be inconvenient.  I can also help by being a good example so no one gets the idea that sinning is permissible.

Bible Chapter: Luke 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Verse 10 jumps out to me with a very interesting insight.  If you can be trusted with a little, you can be trusted with lots.  And, the opposite is true.  There are some people who simply can’t be trusted.  I see the confused thinking of our world today in something called compartmentalization.  People see their lives as compartments.  They can cheat and be dishonest here, while they think they can be honest and upright in other places.  There are politicians who want us to believe they can be dishonest in their personal/marital relationships and yet we can trust them to do what is right in their political office.  Many businesses have failed because someone thought they could cheat in their private life and they wouldn’t cheat in business.
    A major factor in whether a person can be trusted is their opinion of money.  Do they love it?  It is not money, but the LOVE of money that is the root of all evil.  A person in love with money has character issues.  Jesus said we cannot serve both God and money.  It is one or the other.  These two are mutually exclusive.  It is simple to get caught up with a love of money (material possessions).  A person doesn’t have to be wealthy to be in love with things.  A person in love with money loses the understanding of the value of human life.  Money is temporary, for when a person dies it is all left behind.
    This is all illustrated in the story of the rich man and Lazarus.  This man lived in luxury and for luxury.  He had no compassion on those with need.  Lazarus lived a hard life but loved God.  The rich man wouldn’t listen to those who spoke for God and his need to serve God.  He only loved his excess and comfort.  When he ended up in torment in hell, he begged for relief.  Sadly, it was too late and it was his own fault.
    This story ends up with a powerful insight.  The rich man said that if someone came back from the dead and warn his brothers, they would believe and be spared the torment of hell.  The response was that if they didn’t believe, they wouldn’t believe even if one came back from the dead.  The free will of the human race can be very stubborn.  Sadly, people use it to think they are smarter than God and they have to live life their own way.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I must continue to learn what honesty and integrity are, and strive to practice them more and more.  This might sound like I have failed in this area.  No, I have not.  But, there is a necessary continual growth in life and in all good areas we must continue to grow.  I must go forward and be careful to not be in love with money.  God gives us resources to use them for good.  He blesses those who use them for good.  God wants us to use our resources to help people and advance His kingdom.
    Never forget that it is in this lifetime that the decision to serve God must be made.  There is a large chasm between heaven and hell and it cannot be crossed.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Ask God to guide in how to use my resources to impact eternity.  There are more resources available than people think.  If Christians would use them as God directs, we can work together and impact need.

Bible Chapter: Luke 15

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    What is the worth of one soul?  How does God look at the eternal beings He created?  He loves them with an amazing love and His deepest desire is that they will recognize their need of forgiveness and turn to Him.  Here Jesus used three stories to teach the lesson of God’s perspective of the value of a soul.
    When the lost is found there is great rejoicing.  The word lost has some powerful implications when applied to a child missing from home.  Large groups of strangers will volunteer their time to look for the lost one.  Then, when the child is found safe and sound, they celebrate.  It seems the church doesn’t use the word lost any more regarding people who don’t know Jesus, but, they really are lost in their journey through life.  Terms are important.  People without Jesus are lost.
    In the parable of the lost son, commonly known as the Prodigal Son, we see part of the deception of sin.  He took his resources and went away.  Sin gives the deceptive idea that the best, most fun is always somewhere else.  And, that the most fun always includes the things the Bible calls sin.  “Real living” shows no restraint or care for God’s law.  We can see a truth when we observe that the lost son lost all his wealth.  Sin often leads to squandering what we have.  Sin always costs more than we think it will, then there is nothing left.
    God’s love is overwhelming.  We see it in the father welcoming home the lost son.  Yes, he wasted much, but he had come home.  Jesus is anxious for us all to come home.  He already bought the ticket.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    What is God’s attitude towards people lost in sin?  He wants them to return.  That needs to be my attitude, as well.  God rejoices when one person repents. I need to rejoice as well.  I need to find ways to spread the message of the love and joy found in Jesus.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Spread the message for all.
Romans 10:9-10 NKJV
9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13 NKJV
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

Bible Chapter: Luke 14

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Pride. It is a tricky thing to deal with.  In some way we all deal with pride.  We are not junk, so God doesn’t want us to consider ourselves worthless.  At the same time we must be careful to not exalt ourselves.  We need to get the right balance of doing all for God’s glory as we recognize what God has given us.  Jesus showed here that we should be humble and serve Him and let Him take care of the recognition.
    We are all called to be disciples of Jesus.  We are to be learners and followers of what Jesus taught.  A disciple is a learner.  There is a cost to do this.  It means that Jesus must be first and foremost in our lives.  Our love and loyalty to Jesus must mean more than any human relationship.  We need to take up the cross and follow Jesus.  Since the cross is a symbol of death, that says something powerful.  Jesus took up His cross and it brought Him to His death.  We need to consider the cost and then pay it.  Are we willing to give up all to follow Jesus?  These are important and difficult questions, but Jesus posed them for us to consider and then make the decision.  This is an ongoing decision to continue to follow and pay the price.  Our Christian life is a journey.
    We are called to be salt in the world.  If salt doesn’t have the effect on food it is supposed to have it is worthless.  Jesus said that unsalty salt is good only for the manure pile.  Salt influences what is around it.  Salt is worthless until it gets put to use.  Salt creates thirst.  There are many illustrations of what salt does.  They must cause us to think of how we can apply the illustrations of salt to our Christian life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This chapter talks about serving.  It talks about not striving to be the “big cheese”.  It talks about humility.  I need to balance serving and recognition.  More is accomplished for eternity when people find places of service.  I need to continually seek places of service.
    This leads to the thought of counting the cost.  After a person has sacrificed and counted the cost for a long time it is possible to say, “I’ve done this long enough.  It’s time for me to get something in return.”  I must be careful to not get caught in this trap, but continue to serve and let God take care of the details.
    This chapter ends with a quotation of Jesus, “He who has hears to hear, let him hear”.  So, I need to really hear what Jesus is saying.  There is a difference between hearing and hearing (listening).  I can hear sound and it can process through my brain.  Or, I can hear sound and think about it to see how I can apply it.  Jesus is saying is that I need to really hear what He said so it makes a difference.

3.  How can I help someone?
    There are some recurring themes in the Bible.  One of them is being a servant.  Another is paying the cost to follow Jesus.  These are prominent in this chapter.  The more I apply them the more I can help people.

Bible Chapter: Luke 13

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Jesus talked about an unproductive fig tree.  My study Bible footnote says part of this application is to “all individuals who profess to believe in Jesus, yet fail to turn from sin. . . He will not tolerate sin forever”.  God’s gift of salvation is free and available to all. We cannot earn forgiveness.  We can not work to overcome the impact of sin.  However, when we receive the gift, we must grow in our relationship with Jesus and learn to apply biblical truth to daily life.  This includes rejecting compromise mixing truth and error.  The goal needs to be “how close can I get to Jesus?”.  We must turn from sin, we must make specific daily choices to reject anything against the Bible, whatever anyone might say.  There is an outright attack against God’s truth these days.  I must not get caught up in it and support sin.
    Jesus also talked about the parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast.  We see the picture of something small making a major impact.  The smallest seed turns into the largest plant.  The yeast permeates every part of the dough.  God’s work must be an influence that affects everything around it.  It appears that the modern church is being influenced by the world instead of the church influencing the world.  We need a continual flow of God’s power to make an impact. God’s power flowing through believers will make an impact to change the world.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The way to follow Jesus is narrow and unpopular.  There is only one way to enter and that is God’s way.  The majority of people are rejecting God’s path to life.  They don’t like the commitment Jesus requires.  No one can be “sort of” a Christian.  As I continue in my commitment to Jesus to live a righteous life and put my own desires in the background I will receive the promises of God.  The road that leads to destruction is wide and popular.  It appears to be an easy road to follow because there is so much company.  But, when the real issues of life come to challenge, it is lonely in the crowd, for they will abandon you.  Having God’s power in life makes all the difference in the world.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Always remember that Jesus is the way to life.  Help people see that.  Pray that God’s power will saturate and impact the hearts of people so they will submit to Jesus and receive His eternal gift.

Bible Chapter: Luke 12

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    The hypocrisy of the Pharisees.  They acted like they were something that they weren’t.  The were fakes.  To see them would make one believe they were very close to God.  In reality they were only playing a game.  Jesus warned that everything will some day be revealed.  That concept might have been difficult to grasp 2,000 years ago. Today we can easily understand how the things that we think are secret will be shown to all.  We are used to having someone somewhere with a video camera capturing events for all to see.  This is an important warning.  The lies of the tempter tell us that we will get away with it and no one will know.  God’s video recording system sees in the dark.
    This leads to a warning of who we really are to fear.  It has nothing to do with the conveniences of life here on earth, but the One who can punish our sins for all eternity.
    This chapter contains the well-known parable of the rich fool who thought he had enough money to live for a long time so he could party.  God told him that night he would stand before God, and then who would get all his stuff?  Priorities.  What is most important?  We have lived in a very materialistic world that is impressed with the biggest collection of stuff.  Jesus taught that the spiritual and eternal preparation is most important.  Those who neglect getting their heart right with God will lose it all. Verse 20, “You fool”.  Verse 21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”  Putting our own desires first always brings problems.  Priorities, put God first.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Don’t let worry control me.  Put my trust in God.  I must continually recognize that I am totally dependent on God for everything.  I can easily look at my own resources, but I must realize that nothing is permanent and God is the only dependable source.
    Verse 35 says we are to “Be dressed and ready for service . . .”  We are to be prepared to serve God and go with Him when He returns.  When Jesus left this earth the angels said that He would return to take His followers to be with Him.  It has been 2,000 years and many scoff at the concept.  In God’s perspective, 2,000 years is nothing.  We are to still be actively serving the Lord and ready for His coming.  The signs of His coming are more and more evident.  Jesus said some servants would be faithful, some unfaithful.  I must be one of the faithful ones.  Especially with how crazy the world is getting these days, heaven is looking better and better.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people by being the real thing regarding being a Christian. The fakes are standing out more and more.  The world needs to see that there are real people who actually live the life.  People need to see that it is possible to live Godly in this crazy world.  This is why I like Philippians 4:9. “Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”  NLT
    Paul said they could know how to live for Jesus by looking at him. It is not conceit to say the same. We all should be able to say that, look at me to know how to live as a Christian.
    I also can help people by learning from the rich fool.  I can help people see that “he who dies with the most toys wins” is not correct.  That should be said, “he who dies with the most toys, still dies”.  It is not the accumulation of wealth that makes the difference, but the connection with Jesus.  Actually the winner is, “He/she who dies with Jesus in his/her heart”.

Bible Chapter: Luke 11

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A very important request from the disciples - Lord, teach us to pray.  Jesus responded and taught them.  He continued by teaching them about the importance of persistence in prayer.  He said we are to ask, seek and knock.  We are to come to our heavenly Father expecting to hear His response (praying in faith).  Keep on praying.  Keep on praying.  Keep on praying.  I need to hear this over and over and I need to keep on praying. I don’t think we pray enough.  History has shown that prayer is one key ingredient to all great moves of God.
    Jesus taught a key principle to the growth and strength of His Kingdom.  We must be living and working in unity.  A house divided against itself will fall.  In the ongoing spiritual battle against evil we must remain united in Christ.  When Christians can’t get along, when they bicker over little things, they give victory to the enemy.  There is a constant battle.  We see evidence of this in the last few verses of the chapter.  The religious folks opposed Jesus fiercely and worked, waiting to catch Him in some kind of a mistake they could use to attack Him. The battle is ongoing and nasty.  It is getting worse.  We see continued attacks today.  Especially believers in the public eye will find people sitting and watching, waiting to pounce.  We must work hard to serve in unity, for God’s glory, so that we will grow stronger and see God’s work grow.
    Jesus spoke woe to the Pharisees who love the most important seats in the synagogue.  They had to have the most important places because they thought they were the most important.  This goes along with the thought of unity.  People who think they are more important and put themselves above others help to cause strife and disunity.  We are all necessary in God’s plan and work.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Keep on praying.  The Bible is very clear throughout that there is power in prayer.  The battle is fought in prayer.  When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray they realized how important it is.  I find it so easy to do anything but pray.  I also find great power and a sense of the presence of God when I pursue in prayer.  Jesus taught us to not give up.  The asking, seeking and knocking are necessary for spiritual growth and strength.  God’s power is available to drive out the powers of evil.
    Let the Bible influence every part of life.  Let it direct my desires to want to do what it says.  As the Bible enters a person’s life it produces growth and God’s blessings.  If I am not open to what it says to receive it, the Bible will have no effect on me.  If the Bible has no effect on me, I am on my way to failure.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When I know of a need, actually pray for people, not just talk about it.  Many have given testimony of feeling the impact of people’s prayers for them.  That comes because someone actually prayed for them.  Jesus taught His disciples how to pray.  I must put that into practice.  I can also help people by seeing that I do all I can to promote unity among believers.  I must help God’s Kingdom to stand.

Bible Chapter: Luke 10

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Rejoice.  Rejoice over what?  Rejoice that God has given spiritual power?  Rejoice that people are taking notice of what happens at church?  No, rejoice that your name is written in God’s book in heaven.  To know for sure that you are forgiven and headed for eternity with the Lord is the greatest thing possible.  Jesus said to rejoice that your name is written in heaven.  Whenever I am part of a funeral, the greatest part is when I know that the person had received Jesus as their personal Savior and was prepared to leave this life and meet the Lord.  Nothing else compares in value to having assurance of our eternal home.  That is where our comfort is found.  That gives us hope to carry on.
    When questioned about this thought of eternal life, Jesus responded with discussing what was written in the law.  The response was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself.  Anyone who truly loves God that much will love their neighbor and apply biblical truths in life.  The one who was questioning Jesus was looking for an excuse to get by with less.  Luke records that he wanted to justify himself, so he asked the question, “Who is my neighbor?”.  People who want to justify themselves rather than obey God are always looking for an excuse.  That simply won’t work with God.  He won’t change His rules for anyone.
    In response to the question Jesus told the story of The Good Samaritan.  It’s not enough to have religious knowledge and experience, we must put God’s truth in to action.  This action will usually be inconvenient and cost something.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Jesus asked who was the neighbor to the man robbed in the parable.  The response was the one who had mercy.  Jesus responded, “Go and do likewise”.  The story of The Good Samaritan is a practical example of how to help and show the love of Jesus.  I need to keep this in mind so I can apply it in life.
    I also must always rejoice that my name is written in heaven.  I know this is the most important thing in life.  Sometimes I can get busy or tired and other things seem more important.  I need to remember what Jesus said to Martha at the end of the chapter.  Luke 10:41-42 NLT
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
    Devotion to and fellowship with the Lord is most important.  Out of this will come the works I need to do.  This is a good lesson in priorities.

3.  How can I help someone?
    If I will apply what I wrote in question 2, I will be helping people.

Bible Chapter: Luke 9

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Jesus said He would suffer and be rejected, and then He would be killed.  He then said that those who follow Him must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Him.  The cross is a place of sacrifice.  Jesus didn’t have it easy while He was here on earth.  He had no place to lay His head (v. 58).  Serving Jesus requires sacrifice.  If we give up our own desires and follow whatever the cost, we will gain real life and spend eternity with the Lord.  What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?  If you have billions and trillions of dollars, some day you will leave it all behind and stand before God the same as the poorest person in the world.  No one can earn or buy eternity with Jesus.
    Jesus challenged His hearers to look at their perspective.  If their only focus is gaining more material possessions or fame, if they are ashamed of Jesus, they will gain nothing.  I believe that we will be amazed in heaven at those who have gained the most reward and have done the most for Jesus.  Real life is found in turning our backs on our own desires, then seeking and living God’s will for our lives.  Jesus never said, “Oh, good, we need more billionaires in heaven. Come on in.”
    Jesus said greatness was welcoming the weak in His name.  The modern world has confused greatness.  Serving and helping is greatness in God’s eyes.  It has nothing to do with having the most followers on Twitter.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This chapter has more illustrations of faith and the miraculous.  It seems like ever chapter in the gospels has something miraculous.  The supernatural was a common theme in the daily life of Jesus.  Jesus often chided His followers for a lack of faith.  He wants all who claim Him as Savior to be continually growing in faith.  Included in that faith is a clear confession of Jesus as the Savior and living sacrificially for God’s glory.
    I need to be continually reminded of God’s definition of greatness.  He is not impressed with anything done according to the world’s style or perspective.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Live sacrificially so others receive the benefit.  Not only confess Christ, but live the life.  I find myself often, when I get to this question, being reminded of the order of things.  We used to sing a chorus: Jesus and Others and You, what a wonderful way to spell JOY.
Jesus first, then others, then you (me).  Love is unselfish and the most enjoyable people to be around are unselfish.

Bible Chapter: Luke 8

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Of the many events covered in this chapter, one phrase from the beginning jumped out to me.  Jesus went around proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom.  That says volumes.  There really is good news for people to hear.  The good news has nothing to do with politics or jobs or the economy.  Talking about what God has done, what He will do, really is good news, it is the best news.  It is good news because of the powerful personal impact it makes on all who receive it.  God gives hope and strength throughout life to His followers.  Even when it feels like we want to give up, He is there to help us.
    Jesus told the parable of the farmer who spread seed for a crop.  Not all of it produced a good crop, but some of it did.  The application of the parable tells us that some people hear about the good news of Jesus and they don’t believe.  Some believe and then abandon their belief when problems and trials come.  Some let riches and pleasure take over (we live in a pleasure hungry and materialistic society).  The ones who receive and let the good news take root in their lives have the benefits change their lives.  This parable illustrates that there really is a battle for our eternal souls that doesn’t quit once we receive Jesus.  Often the battle increases in intensity.  But, it is worth it to persevere because you can’t beat God’s retirement plan.  It is easy to let the worries of life take over.  We need to let God take care of things, for worry doesn’t change the outcome.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Luke 9 tells several stories of the supernatural power of God flowing through Jesus.  These include calming a storm, delivering a demon-possessed person and raising a dead girl.  Every time Jesus did something miraculous, He didn’t make a big deal of it.  It was what He came to do.  He wasn’t looking to increase the crowd that followed Him.  He told the delivered man to go home and tell what God had done for him.  Jesus wasn’t trying to increase His popularity, for He told the parents of the resurrected girl to not say anything.  The miraculous was a normal part of Jesus’ life.  I believe it needs to be a normal part of the life of the church.  In verse 25 Jesus asked His disciples, “Where is your faith?”.  The closer we grow to HIM the more our faith will increase.  I really do have good news to tell people, good news of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and the resurrection.  Jesus called us all to be spiritual farmers, planting and harvesting seed.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The Bible gives examples of people who had faith for other people’s needs.  Not everyone has faith to trust God for their needs.  My trust and confidence in God needs to grow.  Keep reading the Bible and praying and growing spiritually.  That will help others.

Bible Chapter: Luke 7

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Luke 7 includes one of the amazing passages of the Bible.  There was a man known as John the Baptist whose main calling in life was to be the person who pointed people to Jesus.  John preached and gained a following. Then, at the proper time, he pointed everyone to Jesus.  He is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the whole world.  John was so confident of the truths of God that he was not afraid to tell the all-powerful political leader that he was sinning.  And yet, in a time of hard battle and discouragement, he send friends to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
    What jumps out to me is that anyone can face a battle and struggle with questions.  Jesus didn’t get upset because John asked a question.  Jesus answered the question.  We can all face hard times and struggles.  Jesus doesn’t have a problem with that because the battle is hard and nasty at times.  We must keep our focus in the midst of the struggles and receive the answers that Jesus will give.  Even when it life seems impossible, we must keep focusing on the eternal promises of the Lord.  I love the old song, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus”.
    The ending section of this chapter gives hope to all.  There was a woman who is identified as a “sinner” who received forgiveness from her sins.  She knew it was real and showed great appreciation for the deliverance from her sins.  The Pharisees knew who she was and looked down on her.  The reason this gives hope is that the world is full of sinners.  Any sinner can come to Jesus and receive forgiveness and experience the new life offered by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This chapter includes powerful testimonies of faith.  As I go through the spiritual battles of life I must not let them destroy my faith.  I must learn more about the authority Jesus talked about and learn to use faith and authority in the way God planned and that pleases Him.  I need to continue seeking to know HIM more and grow in my confidence that God does everything well.  As I have struggles and doubts I must keep my focus on WHO Jesus is, on His character and nature, reminding myself that He will never go against who He is.

3.  How can I help someone?
    In life I, and most of us, meet sinners all the time.  I have met people who think they have done too many bad things for God to forgive.  The story of the sinful woman here is a good reminder that Jesus is open to forgive all who will acknowledge their need and receive His gift of eternal life.  I need to help people see the amazing love of Jesus to forgive.  At the same time, I cannot compromise and say that sin doesn’t matter.  Yes, Jesus forgives, but He also judges sin.  Sin separates us from God.  Forgiveness restores the relationship.  Jesus said in John 3:17-18 NKJV
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
    It is our responsibility to believe, it is God’s responsibility to forgive when we believe.

Bible Chapter: Luke 6

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Jesus talked about the kind of fruit that a tree produces.  When an apple tree is planted, it will produce apples, not bananas.  What is in the inside, what is in the genetic makeup will determine what comes out.  So, apple trees produce peaches, no, apples.  Verse 45 makes the application to people.  The heart is the source of what comes out.  A person with good in their heart will produce good.  The good comes from what God does in shaping His followers.  Evil people produce evil.  The question is often asked after some horrendous crime, “How could they do something like that?”  The answer is found in verse 45.  “The evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.”  Sin comes from a sinful heart.  I like the saying, “When you are bumped, what is inside will come out”.
    The fruit analogy leads up to a discussion about buildings.  What makes for a strong building?  It starts with the foundation.  Any building requires a good foundation.  This is even more true for buildings build in places that face conditions that will make is fall.  Buildings constructed in cold climates need deep foundations to get below the frost line or they will heave and collapse in winter.  Houses in hurricane areas need special construction to make them stand and not blow apart.  Jesus said that foolish people build their houses (lives) on sand.  When the hard times come they crash.  Those who build their lives on what Jesus taught give themselves a solid foundation for the trials they will face.  Jesus asked a pointed question in verse 46, Why do you call me Lord and don’t do what I say?  That needs to challenge everyone claiming to be a Christian.  A solid biblical foundation for life will make that life strong.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to strive to produce good fruit.  I need to strive to keep my heart pure.  It is important to be careful what I allow to enter my heart to keep it pure.  It is very easy to compromise regarding what people think on, what they entertain themselves with, which fills their heart with lots of bad stuff.  When I am faithful and obedient to the Bible, I will produce good fruit and have a good foundation.
    This chapter also includes a well known verse, verse 38.  Jesus encourages generosity.  Give and it will be given.  No, we shouldn’t give with the thought that it will make us rich.  As we give, God provides.  As God provides, we are able to continue to give.  Give so you can give.  A very interesting principle.  Generous people are much more desirable to be near than stingy ones.  This has nothing to do with wanting them to give me something, they just have a better attitude and demeanor about them.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The more that my heart is filled with eternity, the more I will be able to help people, because I will have something that makes a difference.  So, I need to work to keep a steady supply of eternity in my heart.  This will produce good fruit.

Bible Chapter: Luke 5

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Peter, James and John received an invitation from Jesus to follow Him.  Jesus used an illustration of God’s power in their lives as fishermen to get their attention.  They left all and followed Jesus.  This thought is jumping out to me as I read, Jesus calls people to follow Him.  What does it mean to follow Him?  Does it only mean giving up your livelihood (as they did) and give full time service?  For most of us it doesn’t mean that.  It means submitting to Jesus as Lord and Savior.  We need forgiveness of sins (Savior) and we need to let Jesus take control of everything in our lives (Lord).
    We can follow Jesus as we receive Him into our hearts.  Then we study His Word and learn.  Then we put into practice what we learn and impact our world in the positive way God planned.  We become a conduit for God’s love to the world.  We grow in our personal relationship with Jesus and become more like Him.  Not all are called to be involved in vocational ministry, but all are called to follow and serve Jesus.
    Another person is called to follow Jesus in this chapter, a tax collector named Levi.  Levi held a great banquet for Jesus and invited all his friends.  We learn something important about being a follower of Jesus here.  Jesus was chastised by the religious folks for hanging around with sinners.  Jesus’ reply was that healthy folks don’t need a doctor, but the sick do.  Those still controlled by sin need the “spiritual doctor”, the Savior who can set them free.  If I am a follower of Jesus I need to be helping those in spiritual need find relief from sin.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to apply what I have been writing about already.  I also need to apply verse 16, So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. NKJV.  I keep being reminded of the value and need of a strong prayer life.  I also regularly sense the battle there is to keep me from praying.  I know my prayer life always needs to be strengthened.  Life is a battle.  There is victory in doing things God’s way, and, regular time of prayer is God’s way.  Jesus spent much time praying.  The more God’s people pray, the more they accomplish for Him.  Luke 5 illustrates the power of God to heal.  As the crowds were gathering to receive healing (V. 15), Jesus was often withdrawing to pray (V. 16).

3.  How can I help someone?
    I keep being reminded that the best way I can help people is to live the genuine life of a follower of Jesus.  The more I learn of how to apply being a follower the more I can do that makes a difference.  So, this life is a continual learning process.  I have learned much, but there is always more to grasp.

Bible Chapter: Luke 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Temptation.  Jesus was tempted to sin at a very weak moment in His life.  The Bible says that Jesus went through all we go through without sinning.  He knows what we are facing.  Every person alive deals with temptation.  We are pulled with desires to do things to make life easier and more fun, but to do it in such a way that goes against God’s way.  We are tempted with selfish things.  Jesus was tempted to take spiritual shortcuts that seemed to be an improvement over God’s way.  To bow down to Satan rather than go to the cross seems like a great deal and would prevent much suffering.  The problem with temptation is that we don’t see the end result while we are looking at the temptation.  If Jesus had yielded to the temptation, He would have given up His control and authority and the world would be a mess.  Life under people like Hitler and Stalin would look good compared to what it would be if Satan had control of the world.  We need to keep this in mind when we are tempted.  Sin NEVER gives all it promises and ALWAYS costs more than it seems to cost.
    What was Jesus’ method for overcoming?  He quoted scriptures.  “It is written . . .”  This is why we need to be students of God’s Word, so we can use it and apply it in the real situations of life. Jesus also kept an eternal perspective on the issues of life.  He could see beyond the moment to how His decisions would impact eternity.  This will help us as well.  How will my decisions today reflect on what will last forever?

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I can be honest about the things that come in the form of temptation.  It is common to make excuses and find ways to justify yielding to sin.  I need to always reject any of this.  I need to keep in focus the reality of a personal relationship with Jesus that comes from making Him the Lord of my life.  I can expect to live in victory over temptation because of what God accomplishes in my heart.  This doesn’t mean I can’t commit sin, but that I should expect and desire to reject temptation and live obediently to Christ.
    I also need to strive to understand the spiritual authority that I have as a believer.  Jesus amazed the people with His authority to heal and drive out demons.  He has given authority to His followers.  We must use it properly.  We must never do things selfishly or with a desire to make life better for us at the cost of disobedience to God.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People often expect that they don’t have any choice but to yield to temptation.  They make excuses.  I can help people see the gift of forgiveness and victory that God offers.  When they receive it they will have a life of victory over the destructive lifestyle they live.  This really works.

Bible Chapter: Luke 3

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Chapter three is Luke’s covering of the work of John the Baptist in his preparation to present Jesus to the world.  John was a clear preacher who told the truth, whether people liked it or not.  Just ask Herod.  He called for real changes in the lives of his hearers.  One word that sticks out to me is repent.  He said we are to produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
    My picture of repentance is turning around and going the other way.  It’s not just I’m sorry that I got caught, but being sorry I did “it” and I don’t plan to do “it” again.  Fruit of repentance is evidence in my lifestyle that things are different then they were before the impact of Jesus in my life.  My lifestyle is different from the sinful world around me.  I am concerned by the observations I make in the church world today that show a real lack of repentance and separation from active participation in sin.  Instead of lifestyles that express the thought of “how close can I get to Jesus”, I see “how much can I get away with and still make it to heaven”.  That is not grasping the truth of what repentance is.  John said God’s ax is ready to hit the root of the tree that doesn’t produce good fruit.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I need to grasp the benefits of understanding repentance and applying it in life.  God is not out to take away all my fun.  He knows the difference between real fun and the pleasures of sin for a season.  Sinful things can be fun, but there is always an eventual payday.  Sin costs something sometime down the line.  It is always more than we are willing to pay.  I remember checking in to a motel one time and there was confusion regarding the cost.  The manager said, “Just check in and we will get this settled”.  I refused, lest the price turn out to be something I couldn’t afford to pay.  The tempter is always saying, “Just go ahead and have your fun and we’ll worry about the details later”.  I must refuse if there is any question regarding the rightness of an action, lest the cost show up later and be something I can’t afford to pay.
    Jesus already paid for our sins.  When we receive forgiveness the debt is paid.  I must not incur more debt to sin.  I’m reminded of Romans 6 that says we are dead to sin.  Repentance includes turning from sin.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When I am talking with a person about Jesus, I need to help them grasp the principle of repentance.  Many are willing to say “I’m sorry”, but they want to continue doing what they have always done.  Repentance deals with the issue of Lordship.  Who is the Lord of my life?  Jesus laid claim to that title on the cross.  It’s not just some kind of confession, but repentance that makes the difference.

Bible Chapter: Luke 2

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Twelve years.  That is what is covered in Luke 2.  It starts with the traditional Christmas story, telling the travels of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  All of the familiar and beloved details fill the early parts of this chapter.  Millions of people have memorized portions of Luke 2.  It ends with a visit by Jesus and His parents to the Temple.
    I want to give emphasis to two other parts of this chapter.  Verse 25 talks about a Godly man named Simeon.  On the eighth day after His birth, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple.  There Simon rejoiced to see Jesus.  Simeon is described as righteous and devout.  I trust that all followers of Jesus desire to make this part of the description of their lives.  He was faithful and sought God in his life.  His heart and actions showed a real relationship with God.  We are not called to simply go through a religious routine, but to live in devotion to and applying God’s truth to daily life.
    One other part of this chapter I want to mention is what Jesus said in verse 49.  He had to be about His Father’s business.  I will spend my life involved in something.  Is it something that will last?  Is it something that is frivolous and worthless?  Does God get the glory?  Does it impact and benefit other people?  Even at age twelve, Jesus was grasping the importance of doing what His heavenly Father wanted Him to do.  God has a plan for each one of us.  We need to study the Bible to learn the basics and also seek God for His specific direction in our lives.  Then we must be busy actually doing our Father’s business, not just talking about it.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The end of this chapter describes Jesus as growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.  He was maturing and developing as a person.  He was learning and grasping how to apply what was important in life.  He was growing in understanding and relationship with God.  He was learning how to get along with people.  He was developing as a person that could accomplish the plan of God for His life.
    I must always strive to do the same.  I am never too old to do that.  Whatever age a person may be they must continue to learn and grow.  We must all learn to get along with people and reflect the nature of God through our lives.  This principle says that Jesus learned God’s revealed word and plan for life and applied it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    The more I can be a mature and Christlike person, the more I will help people.  The more I live in a way that pleases God, the more I will help those around me.  The most helpful people are those who learn Biblical truths and apply them in daily life.  So, this means I must continue to study the Bible.

Bible Book: Luke

Because the Bible is practical, here is an overview of the book.

Author: Luke

Type of Book: Gospel

Theme: Jesus: the Divine-Human Savior

Date of Writing: A.D. 60-63

Background
Luke’s Gospel (i.e., his account of the “good news” and true story of Jesus Christ) is the first of two books (the other is the book of Acts) addressed to a man named Theophilus (1:3; Ac 1:1). The use of the title “most excellent” could mean that Theophilus was a Roman official or at least a person of high status or wealth. He may have been Luke’s sponsor, financial supporter or the one responsible for seeing that the writings were copied and distributed. However, the book was also meant to instruct Theophilus personally. Although the author is not identified by name in either book (Luke or Acts), the united testimony of early Christianity and the fact that the writing style and structure are basically the same point to common authorship by Luke.
Luke was probably a Gentile (i.e., not a Jew) who had become a follower of Christ. He is the only non-Jewish author of a Bible book. The Holy Spirit inspired him to write to Theophilus (whose name means “one who loves God”) in order to fill a need in the Gentile church for a full and accurate account of the beginnings of Christianity. To accomplish this purpose, Luke’s writings included two parts: (1) The Gospel of Luke gives an account of Jesus’ birth, life and ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. (2) The book of Acts gives an account of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (i.e., God sending his Spirit to collectively empower Christians in the early church) at Jerusalem and the events that followed involving the apostles (i.e., the pioneer leaders of the early churches). These two books contain more than one-fourth of the writings of the NT.
From Paul’s letters to churches (i.e., several of the NT “books”), we learn that Luke was a “dear friend... the doctor” (Col 4:14) and a loyal co-worker with Paul (2Ti 4:11; Phm 1:24; also notice the use of the pronoun “we” throughout Acts, meaning that the author was with Paul when the events took place; see the introduction to Acts). From Luke’s own writings, we know he was a well-educated man, a skilled writer, a careful historian and an inspired theologian (i.e., one who studied about God and God’s relationship to humanity). When he wrote his Gospel, it would appear that the church outside of the Jewish community had no complete, published or widely circulated message about Jesus. Matthew wrote his Gospel initially for the Jews, and Mark wrote a much shorter but full version of the Gospel for the church in Rome. The Greek-speaking Gentile world did have oral accounts about Jesus from eyewitnesses, as well as short written digests (i.e., summary versions), but no complete and orderly Gospel (see 1:1-4). For that reason, Luke set out to investigate everything carefully “from the beginning” (1:3). He probably did research in Palestine while Paul was in prison at Caesarea (Ac 21:17; 23:23-26:32) and likely completed his Gospel toward the end of that time or soon after arriving in Rome with Paul (Ac 28:16).

Purpose
Luke wrote this Gospel to the Gentiles (i.e., people who are not Jewish) to provide a full and accurate record “about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven” (Ac 1:1b-2a). Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke wanted Theophilus and other Gentiles who had accepted Christ—or were curious about his message—to know the exact truth about the testimonies and instruction they had heard (1:3-4). The fact that Luke wrote for Gentiles is apparent throughout the Gospel. For example, he traces Jesus’ human genealogy (i.e., ancestry, family history) all the way back to Adam, the first man (3:23-38), and not just to Abraham as Matthew did (cf. Mt 1:1-17). In Luke, Jesus is clearly seen as the divine-human (both God and man) Savior who provided a way of spiritual salvation for all of Adam’s descendants—the entire human race.

Survey
Luke’s Gospel begins with the most complete account of events surrounding the births of John the Baptist (whose preaching prepared the way for Christ, 1:5-2:40) and Jesus. Luke also provides the only glimpse in the Gospels of Jesus’ boyhood (2:41-52). After describing John the Baptist’s ministry and giving Jesus’ family history, Luke divides Jesus’ ministry into three major sections: (1) his ministry in and around Galilee (4:14-9:50), (2) his ministry during the final journey to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27) and (3) his last week in Jerusalem (19:28-24:43).
While Jesus’ miracles are often highlighted in Luke’s record of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, the main focus in this Gospel is on Jesus’ teaching and parables during his extended ministry on the way to Jerusalem (9:51-19:27). This section contains the greatest block of material unique to the book of Luke and includes many well-known stories and parables. The book’s pivotal verse (i.e., the turning point when Jesus sets out for the last time toward Jerusalem, 9:51) and the key verse (stating Jesus’ primary purpose in coming to earth, 19:10) occur at the beginning and toward the end of this section, which describes many things found only in Luke.

Special Features
Eight major elements characterize Luke’s Gospel. (1) It is the most comprehensive, or complete, Gospel, recording events in Jesus’ life from pre-birth to his ascension back to heaven, making it the longest NT book. (2) It is the most literate of the Gospels, revealing a unique style and content, a rich vocabulary and an excellent mastery of the Greek language. (3) It stresses the universal scope of the gospel-that Jesus came to bring salvation for all people, Jews and Gentiles alike. (4) It stresses Jesus’ concern for the underprivileged, including women, children, poor people and social outcasts. (5) It stresses Jesus’ prayer life and his teaching about prayer (see article on Effective Praying). (6) The title most often used to describe Jesus in this Gospel is “Son of Man,” which emphasizes his humanity as well as his divinity (i.e., that he is God). (7) It provides a record of the joyful response and attitude of those who accept Jesus and his message. (8) It stresses the great importance of the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of Jesus and his followers (e.g., 1:15, 41, 67; 2:25-27; 4:1, 14, 18; 10:21; 12:12; 24:49; see article on Jesus and the Holy Spirit).   

Giving credit where credit is due.  These informational notes about this book come from the Full Life Study Bible, also known as the Fire Bible.  Don Stamps, editor.  Originally published by Life Publishers.

Bible Chapter: Luke 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Luke was a careful historian who wrote this account of the life and ministry of Jesus for the Gentile believers in the early church.  It is the longest book in the New Testament.  Combined with the other book Luke wrote, Acts, his writings comprise more than one quarter of the New Testament.
    God knows what He is doing.  The first story in Luke is about the foretelling and birth of John the Baptist.  His parents were old and childless.  The Angel Gabriel came to Zechariah to tell him he would have a son who would be the one to point the world to the Messiah.  Everything happened exactly as God said it would in spite of their doubt and skepticism.
    One of the things prophesied about John was that he would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children.  The very first entity God established after creation was the family.  The first man and woman created came together as husband and wife and they had a family.  God’s plan for an orderly society is a strong family.  Part of John’s mission was to point out the sin of fathers who had failed to love their children and point them to God.  A strong relationship between a father and his children is one of the keys to living and living life for God.  Strong Christlike fathering today would solve many of our culture’s  problems.
    We see another major part of God’s plan in this chapter as Gabriel went to Nazareth to tell Mary that she would have a son.  Her response might surprise the modern world when she couldn’t figure out how she could have a son when she wasn’t married.  Mary and Joseph were pledged to be married, but the wedding hadn’t taken place yet.  They were being obedient to God’s plan and remaining virgins till the wedding.  It was because of their Godliness that God could use them.  Mary could be the earthly mother of Jesus because she was still a virgin.  God can use anyone who is willing to be used.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God knows what He is doing.  The prophet Jeremiah wrote that God knows the plans He has for each one.  Zechariah and Elizabeth had John according to God’s plan.  Yes, they were old and well beyond the years when they could have children.  That was no problem for God.  Mary was a virgin, but God was not perplexed as to how she could give birth to the Savior.  Both John and Jesus were born after God’s intervention.
    Since God knows what He is doing, He will work in my life and accomplish His goals when I let Him.  Part of Zechariah’s song at the birth of Jesus says: “To grant us that we, Being delivered from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life.”  Luke 1:74-75 NKJV  We can serve Him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives.  There is deliverance in God’s hand.  I need to continue to trust Him.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I can help people see that God has a plan for individual lives.  In talking with people over the years it seems that many don’t comprehend the truth that God really has a plan for them.  I remember talking with a Christian man one time.  He expressed the thought that it would be amazing to know that he really was following God’s plan for his life.  The concept seemed foreign to him.  It is sad to live life just rambling along and not having any sense of God’s direction.  People can seek and find God’s plan for life.

Bible Chapter: Mark 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Those who believe in Jesus have an amazing hope because of the resurrection of Jesus.  When the Sabbath was over some of the women came to the tomb to anoint His body.  There they were surprised to find the tomb empty.  It was there they received the message that changed the world - He is not here, He is risen.  And then, there is an amazing addition to the message.  They were instructed to go tell the disciples. And, -- Peter. It is very significant that there was a special message for Peter.  I’m sure he was suffering due to his failure and Jesus wanted to be sure that he got the message of the resurrection.  Peter, it’s ok, you are going to do great things for God.
    I’m reminded of an old song we used to sing, “It’s just like Jesus to roll the clouds away, It’s just like Jesus to keep me day by day, It’s just like Jesus all along the way, It’s just like His great love.”  Kindness, compassion, caring and so many other things are just like Jesus.  And, it is just like Jesus to care for Peter to help him through this terrible time.
    The fact of the resurrection has been historically proven.  Experts who study these things have shown ample evidence that Jesus really did rise from the grave.  One of the proofs that has spoken to me is the fact that, after they saw Him, the disciples were ready to die for Him.  No one is willing to die for a hoax.  Those who saw Jesus alive, then they saw Him crucified and then they saw Him alive again; they were willing to give all for Him.  Everything about Jesus is supernatural.  Since Jesus never changes the supernatural is still alive and well today.  I need to expect miraculous intervention in life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I must keep eternal hope growing in my heart.  When difficult times come, as the believers were facing when Jesus was crucified, it is important to keep my focus on the miraculous power of Jesus.  I must always apply the power and truths of the Bible in life.  There is nothing else sufficient to carry me through. That’s all, but that’s enough.

3.  How can I help someone?
    Jesus is alive.  He is here for you.  He is sufficient for anything you deal with.  That’s enough.